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Easy One-Pan Ground Turkey and Zucchini Rice Skillet

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A quick, healthy, and flavorful one-pan meal combining lean ground turkey, fresh zucchini, and fluffy rice, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey (93% lean)
  • 2 medium zucchinis, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or blend of oregano, basil, and thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and dice the zucchinis into roughly ½-inch pieces. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink and starting to brown. Avoid stirring constantly.
  3. Push the turkey to one side of the pan. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the empty side with a pinch of salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally. Then mix everything together.
  4. Stir in the diced zucchini, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 3-4 minutes until zucchini starts to soften but still has some bite.
  5. Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and stir to combine with the turkey and veggies. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and stir once. Increase the heat to bring it to a gentle boil.
  6. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time. Check near the end to see if the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
  7. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top, if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, skip the Parmesan or substitute with nutritional yeast. Use a tight-fitting lid to ensure even rice cooking. If rice is undercooked and liquid absorbed, add a splash of hot water and cook a few more minutes. Rinsing rice is essential to prevent gumminess. Ground turkey can be swapped with ground chicken, beef, or tofu for vegetarian option.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan, ground turkey, zucchini, rice skillet, quick dinner, healthy meal, easy recipe, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/easy-one-pan-ground-turkey-and-zucchini-rice-skillet-recipe-for-quick-healthy-dinners/